Russia and Africa Plan Joint Push to Boost Tourist Numbers

Russia and Africa will work out mechanisms to increase mutual tourist flows, according to an action plan published on the Kremlin website following the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum.

The document calls for deepening systematic interaction between the two sides on increasing tourist exchanges. It also envisions direct contacts between tourism associations to organize joint advertising and information campaigns, along with presentations and press tours for Russian and African journalists and bloggers to promote each other's tourism products.

The parties intend to develop ecological and nature-based tourism focused on sustainable use of natural potential and preserving biodiversity. They also plan to promote joint programs and projects in tourism and the handicraft industry, and to support professional training for guides and tour guides proficient in Russian and African languages.

The third Russia-Africa Summit and its economic and humanitarian forum took place in Moscow on October 28-29.